KAMPALA, Uganda — Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development announced Wednesday the withdrawal of 77 pesticide products from the market and restricted the use of 202 others, citing unacceptable risks to human health, crops, livestock, and the environment. Another 151 products are under review, with decisions expected by December 2025.
The action follows a comprehensive review of registered pesticide active ingredients by the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB). The PCPB assessed 430 end-use products, using scientific data and international regulatory decisions. During the interim review period, the 151 products currently under review are prohibited from use or importation.
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Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Sen. Mutahi Kagwe, EGH, stated the moves are part of the ministry’s commitment to safeguard citizen health, protect the agricultural sector, and uphold environmental sustainability.
To further strengthen pesticide regulation, the ministry has reviewed the Draft Pest Control Products Bill, which has been approved by the Cabinet and is set to be introduced in Parliament.
New measures also include requirements for all pesticide products considered for registration in Kenya to be registered in their country of origin. Additionally, no pest control products banned internationally under multilateral environmental agreements will be registered for use in Kenya. The importation of any molecule under review that is not approved in the European Union, the United States, Australia, and Canada is also prohibited until the review is finalized.
“This action is part of our continuous efforts to align Kenya’s agricultural practices with international best standards, ensure food safety for all Kenyans, and promote sustainable agriculture,” Kagwe said in a press statement. He urged farmers, distributors, and stakeholders to comply with the new regulations and adopt safe, effective, and environmentally friendly pest management alternatives.
The ministry also committed to supporting farmers through education, extension services, and promoting integrated pest management practices.
Among the active ingredients restricted are 2,4-D Amine (not for use in coffee), Abamectin (not for use in open fields), Chlorpyrifos (restricted to termiticide use), Dimethoate (restricted to termiticide use), and Imidacloprid (restricted for use on non-open fields).
Active ingredients withdrawn from the market include Acephate, Chlorothalonil, Pymetrozine, Thiacloprid, Diuron, POE Tallow Amine, Kasugamycin, and Pyridalyl.
A separate list of previously banned pesticides in Kenya includes substances like DDT, Endrin, Heptachlor, Parathion, and Monocrotophos, among many others.
Key Active Ingredients Affected:
Restricted:
– 2,4-D Amine
– Abamectin
– Chlorpyrifos
– Dimethoate
– Imidacloprid
– Omethoate
– Propineb
– Iprodione
– Oxydemeton-methyl
Withdrawn:
– Acephate
– Chlorothalonil
– Pymetrozine
– Thiacloprid
– Diuron
– POE Tallow Amine
– Kasugamycin
– Pyridalyl
Previously Banned (partial list):
– DDT (Dichlorodiphenyl Trichloroethane)
– Endrin
– Ethylene dibromide (EDB)
– Heptachlor
– Toxaphene
– Ethyl Parathion
– Methyl Parathion
– Captafol
– Aldrin
– Monocrotophos
– Lindane
– Endosulfan
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development stated it will remain vigilant, continuing to review and update its regulatory frameworks in line with emerging scientific evidence and global developments.
